Zap Zebra Approved for UK Roads

Free passes for London

While ZAP is in Californian courts battling Daimler and smart, they are also expanding their markets. After opening a Chinese factory, now the 40 mph (64 km/h) ZAP Zebra 'city car' has been approved for UK roads.

But besides just being street-legal, the ZAP Zebra will also be one of the first (if not the first) car to be eligible for 'free passes' from London daily congestion tolls and parking. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider: "Here is a unique electric vehicle that will help drivers save significantly on fuel costs as well as free passes for the daily congestion tolls and parking.”

A very noble attempt, and most definitely a step in the right direction in regards to saving the planet but we'd still not want to be caught in a Zebra, let alone the pick-up truck version.

Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit

Dodge are to debut a sport wagon hybrid concept dubbed the 'Zeo' as part of Chrysler's 'clean-running' and 'excitingly-styled' concept vehicle trio set for Detroit in January. Starring alongside equally-green Chrysler and Jeep concept cars, the Zeo is a four-door four-seater 'wagon' - but in two-plus-two coupe guise.

Familiarity extends only to the Dodge grille and flared arches, with its albeit sport-designated 'wagon' label only adding to confusion. Described as a four-passenger four-door with a 2+2 arrangement, suicide rear doors perhaps similar to the gullwing doors of automotive past are a likely feature judging by these official sketches.

Advanced technology is used for ecological effect. A range of 250 miles is provided by the car's presumably plug-in lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the 250 kW electric motor. Acceleration is estimated to allow a 0-60 mph time of less than six seconds.

More information will follow prior to the concept car's Detroit Show debut in January so stay tuned. In the meantime, keep up to date with all things eco-friendly in our green category.

Related entries:

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept to Debut at Detroit Show
Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept

Starring alongside what become the rather more conservative Chrysler and Dodge concept vehicles next to Jeep's Renegade Hybrid Vehicle at January's Detroit Auto Show is a concept car designed from the outset to turn around heads as much as global warming. This is a compact, sports concept employing weight-saving strategies and an array of drivetrain technologies to produce an eco-Jeep worthy of its nameplate.

Packing the combination of a lithium-ion battery pack, electric motors and a Bluetec diesel engine, the Jeep Renegade is a concept whose strength lies in numbers: namely the 110 mpg fuel consumption figure that Chrysler expects it to return. Four-wheel-drive capability is assisted through dual electric motors with an 85 kW total output which are each dedicated to an axle.

To aid achieving such impressive fuel economy, an aluminium frame reduces weight, while stylish but lightweight features such as a cut-down windshield, roll bar, openings in the door panels and a hose-out interior too aid both function and form.

Stay tuned for more information to follow shortly ahead of the concept's debut at Detroit early next year. Until then, stay in the know for all things eco-friendly on our green category page.

Related entries:

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept to Debut at Detroit Show
Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept

As part of Chrysler's three-strong concept car offensive at the Detroit Auto Show next year will be this new ecoVoyager hybrid vehicle, touted much like its Jeep and Dodge show stand companions to fuse the economical and ecological advantages of an advanced 'clean-running drivetrain' and the appeal of a vehicle styled to excite.

Seating four in comfort, the ecoVoyager is powered by a new technology which has the environment at its heart. A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity for the battery pack and 200 kW electric motor, which according to Chrysler will exclusively drive the vehicle for in excess of 300 miles. Powertrain components are stored underfloor. However, performance will not be sluggish, a 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds being expected.

Although longer than the present Voyager by some two inches, the single-box designed concept vehicle is both narrower and lower in height, which transfers to more swept and sporty styling cues. Among them is the return of Chrysler's central spine, a crease which spans from the rather subdued front to the dynamic rear end, where it effectively dictates the hatch and light cluster arrangement.

Related entries:

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept
Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit
Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Debut at Detroit

L.A. Auto Show Preview

Nearly 15 vehicles will be formally introduced to the world this week, as press days for the 101st Greater Los Angeles Auto Show kick off on Wednesday, November 14th, at 8:20am with a keynote address by Ford CEO Alan Mulally. Ford will be holding press conferences for five of their brands, but only Ford and Lincoln have world debuts (the other brands are Jaguar, Mazda, and Volvo). Green will again be the key color in L.A. this year, as automakers will repeatedly try to thump their chests in effort to woo the public, in spite of the ever-ballooning cost of gas.

Here's our preview of this week's events at the Los Angeles Convention Center:

Audi

First up we have Audi. Nobody really knows for sure what Audi has in store for us, but they are believed to have something special in the hopper. What could it be? A new concept? The R8 convertible? An American-spec A1? We will let you know shortly after the 11:10am (California time) press conference on Wednesday, November 14.

BMW

Folks at BMW will be giving North America its 1-Series debut in Los Angeles. Americans will only get to get their hands on the Coupe, although if the A1 makes a splash in the States it may be possible that Munich sends over a hatchback. At least the U.S. 1-Series will have a Start/Stop button.

Cadillac

Nothing says a desire for fuel economy and like the save-the-planet style of the Cadillac Escalade. In reality, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid does not really exude "green," so folks at GM plastered hybrid stickers all over the thing. Although at first glance it is reminiscent of O.J. Simpson's double-homicide plea of "absolutely, 100% not guilty," the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid should get at least marginally more than the 12 mpg the standard Escalade gets.

On the other hand, if you aren't into faking environmental street cred, you could instead go balls out and pick up the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum. Just debuted in Miami, this edition the Escalade comes with Magnetic Ride Control, French-seam leather, wood, and aluminum trims, as well as cupholders that keep your drink hot or cold, and two video screens to watch An Inconvenient Truth on.

Chrysler

Chrysler will present its 2008 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid in Los Angeles. Almost an exact replica of the Dodge Durango, Chrysler execs think that despite oil prices nearing $100 per barrel, there is still room in the segment for another gas-guzzling SUV. Since this is in Los Angeles, it makes sense they would debut the Aspen Hybrid this week. Green will be a huge theme at the show, just like last year. For more on the stats of the truck, see the mention about the Dodge Durango Hybrid one section down.

Dodge

Also taking a bow in La-La-Land is the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. Remade with less drag and more downforce, this Viper also has an adjustable, carbon fiber rear wing. Several other aspects of the car are outfitted with the super-lightweight material, helping to reduce overall weight. All-in-all, Dodge cut 80 lbs. off the Viper for this street-legal track car. Pricing is expected to be announced at the show, but it is believed to come in with a MSRP under $100,000.

Executives will announce expectations that the 2008 Dodge Durango Hybrid, debuting in LA, to improve fuel efficiency by about 10%-20% on the highway, and 40% in the city. Nearly identical to the Dodge Durango Hybrid, its 5.7 liter HEMI Hybrid will get about 19mpg city and 20 to 22mpg highway.

Ford

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition. Huge fans of the famous Bullitt chase scene that we are, we are excited to see this step up from the Mustang GT. Looking like a truly mean ride, the muscle car (not as fast as a GT500, I know) has some nice trim for fans of the movie. Only 7000 Bullitt edition Mustangs will be made, and some think this will be the last time Ford revisits Steve McQueen for quite some time.

Hyundai

Will it or won't it? Hyundai fans want to know if the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe will in fact go into production with two engine options: a turbo charged, four cylinder, 2.0 liter getting 215 horsepower, or a 3.8 liter V6 getting 300 horsepower. True pricing should be between $20,000 and $26,000, with optional goodies to include a sunroof and Brembo brakes.

Lincoln

Lincoln will show off its 2009 Lincoln MKS this week, the first time the production car will be seen in public. Debuting as a concept at Detroit in 2006, the MKS will likely have a turbocharged V6 getting nearly 400 horsepower with 415 ft-lb of torque. The leather-lined four door sedan looks like it will also have a sunroof.

Lincoln is trying hard to appeal more towards a younger crowd. They just signed hip-hop artist Common for their new Navigator marketing campaign. Common has relocated to Los Angeles from Chicago in recent days. Kanye West helped bring his fellow Chicagoan out from the shadows into a brighter light over the last few years. We would not be surprised to see Common appear at the L.A. show.

Lotus

Knowing that a close relative of mine had the option to pick up a Lotus Elise last year and passed it up makes me weep softly into my pillowcase some nights. But if somebody put him behind the wheel of the 2008 Lotus Elise SC, I'm not so sure he could turn it down. First announced a few weeks ago, the Elise SC will weigh less than 2,000 pounds, and be paired with an engine that is capable of unleashing 217 horses. Zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 150 mph gives one hope that there is a meaning to the universe.

With a little bit of luck, Lotus will also bring out a 2008 Exige S with the new Performance Pack. In the pack is a Magnuson/Eaton M62 Supercharger, boosting output from 218 horsepower to 240. Maximum torque is at 170 ft-lbs. With a larger roof scoop, and higher torque clutch, you can take this Exige S from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and bring it all the way up to 153 mph.

Nissan

Pictures of the somewhat futuristic looking 2009 Nissan Murano came out a few days ago, in advance of its debut in California. The new Murano has a double-paned sun roof, a more swept back look, and bolder feaures like streamlined taillights. More details about this crossover should be released at the auto show.

Pontiac

Pontiac will present to us its 2009 Pontiac Vibe at Los Angeles. Utilizing the same platform as the Toyota Matrix, the 2009 Vibe looks better than it did in years past. We will believe it when we see it in person, but for now, the Vibe looks viable. Base model purchasers will find a 1.8 liter 132 horsepower engine under the hood, with a 2.4 liter 158 horsepower standard on the AWD and GT trim levels. We expect Pontiac will let us in on the 0-60 times of this crossover this week.

Porsche

Porsche made some news recently by announcing that they will bypass the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to focus more on markets where they will reach more potential buyers. One important market to Porsche is Los Angeles, and as was previously mentioned, the L.A. show will have a very green feel to it. What better place for the Stuttgart-based automaker to unveil its Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. Expected for production by 2010, this hybrid SUV is believed to be capable of 26 mpg in the city. Porsche says the truck will still be able to handle the off-road enthusiast, and it will be capable of pulling 7,000 pounds behind it.

Porsche lays claim to the first no-emission electric vehicle, which premiered in Paris at the Exposition Universelle of 1900. The company has resurrected this world's fair relic in effort to show that they are not just a group of heathenous, Earth-killing automakers.

Subaru

The WRX STI is sort of like the almost-hot girl with a great personality who you keep going out on a date with in the hopes that she will really shine this time around. The curtain will be pulled back on the U.S. spec of the 2008 Subaru WRX STI in L.A. this week. In the States, the car gets a 2.5 liter horizontally-opposed four cylinder engine, a full 25% greater displacement than the Japanese version. We should get some more information on the car's power this week, and find out what Subaru will give North American purchasers for seats. Recaros will not be available on this version.

Toyota

Coming soon to showrooms is the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The all-new SUV comes with the same DOHC 5.7 liter V8 as its Tundra pick-up truck cousin. The two also share the same chassis and powertrain. We believe the Sequoia will also come with an independent rear suspension, but we will have to wait until the L.A. Auto Show press days to find out for sure.

Volkswagen

Rumor has it that Volkswagen will make an updated statement about the delay in diesel engine production for the Jetta. America is an unusual place for this announcement, considering the lack of diesel usage there, but with all the media there they will have a good opportunity to spin the story in their favor.

Remember the Volkswagen up! concepts from Frankfurt and Tokyo? The first was meant as a possible Beetle replacement (or perhaps the direction they will take the Golf), with the engine in the trunk and neat features like removable seats. The second up! was longer 10 inches longer and significantly uglier than its brother. Like its sibling, it to has gas, diesel, and electric capabilities all coming from the rear. A third edition of the up! will be shown off in California.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid First Details

It is targeting a decrease in fuel consumption of about 25 percent, particularly in city traffic

Porsche, a company renown for its high-performance sports cars and sport utility vehicles (SUV), this week in Stuttgart demonstrated to the media a Cayenne SUV hybrid prototype, providing a glimpse of what the company will offer to consumers by the end of the decade.

Porsche is targeting average fuel consumption figures of 9.8 liters/100 kilometers in the New European Driving Cycle and about 24 miles per gallon in the US FTP cycle for the Cayenne Hybrid, and future developments may allow Porsche engineers to push towards an average fuel consumption figure of 8.9 liters/kilometer (approximately 26 miles per gallon).

The Cayenne Hybrid will feature a full-hybrid design where the hybrid module (clutch and electric motor) is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission rather than having the hybrid drivetrain branching output along various lines and in various directions via a planetary gearset. Porsche selected this design because the in-line configuration of the hybrid components are more compatible with the existing Cayenne platform, this system in testing is more fuel efficient, and because this configuration is a better fit for Porsche as it will provide improved acceleration and engine flexibility compared to a conventional Cayenne.

Coordinating the car’s three main components – the combustion engine, the electric motor and the battery – is the Hybrid Manager, the heart of the Cayenne Hybrid. The Hybrid Manager, which oversees some 20,000 data parameters as compared to only 6,000 data parameters for a conventional engine, is one of the most powerful technologies found in any hybrid vehicle.

Other unique features of the Cayenne Hybrid designed to decrease fuel consumption include the power steering and vacuum pump for the brakes, as well as the air conditioning, which operate on electric power. Technical components, such as the oil pump in the Cayenne’s automatic transmission, have been replaced by electrically powered units. The Cayenne Hybrid’s electro-hydraulic steering – a first for a vehicle of its kind, will ensure the Cayenne Hybrid drives like a Porsche with predictable and safe handling characteristics and the agility that is expected of a Porsche SUV.

Porsche plans to introduce similar hybrid technology in a version of its Panamera four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera will debut in 2009, with a hybrid to follow.

Frankfurt launch for ultra-low CO2 Fords

Ford are launching a new range of low-emissions vehicles at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Branded 'Ford ECOnetic', a name combining environmental concerns with Ford's 'kinetic' philosophy, the new range will offer customers from late this year an extended choice of ultra-low CO2 vehicles to complement the existing Ford Flexifuel range. Green's very much in this season.

Using a combination of the latest common-rail diesel engines coupled with features engineered to reduce emissions to the 'absolute minimum', Ford promise to bring an increased range of affordable products featuring low CO2.

"Although all of our current European models are already highly competitive in terms of CO2, we do know that more and more car buyers seek the lowest possible emissions as a key 'why-buy?', and that they have an increasing range of such vehicles to choose from in the market," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO.

The first car to tempt consumers to Ford's new low-CO2 range will be the Focus. Emitting only 115g/km of CO2 and offering a 12g/km advantage over the regular 1.6 TDCi model, the Ford Focus ECOnetic, powered by a 106 PS, re-engineered version of the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, enters dealerships late 2007 or early next year. Fuel consumption is up by 10% over the standard 1.6 TDCi at an impressive 4.3l/km (65 mpg).

The new range will join the expanding Flexifuel product range, which combine conventional fuel with bio-ethanol E85 (a blend of 85% bio-ethanol and 15% petrol). The new ECOnetic models will join the existing Focus and C-MAX Flexifuel products as well as Flexifuel versions of the new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX, on sale from early 2008.

Expect Ford to extend the new ECOnetic range to the Mondeo, C-MAX and S-MAX following roll-out of the Focus late 2007 or early 2008. Further details will be released nearer to the range's Frankfurt unveiling.

Mercedes E 350 Gets CGI & E 300 BLUETEC Now for Europe

Press Release

Advanced Power: two new E-Class models with pioneering drive systems

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time in implementing the Road to the Future which it presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is now offering two new E-Class models to pave the way for a new generation of particularly economical and environmentally friendly diesel and petrol vehicles. Trailblazing BLUETEC technology makes the new E 300 BLUETEC the world's cleanest diesel in its class, while retaining legendary attributes of the CDI engine such as high torque, economy and operating range. At the same time Mercedes-Benz is extending its range of models with the new E 350 CGI, which features second-generation direct petrol injection. This model likewise excels with a favourable fuel consumption and a high performance. Compared to the E 350, the fuel consumption of the innovative V6 engine of the E 350 CGI is lower by around ten percent per hundred kilometres. And with 215 kW/292 hp this unit also makes 20 hp more output available. With these new E-Class models, Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its aim to offer customers superior, luxurious and safe automobiles with the highest level of environmental compatibility, both now and in the future.

At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz presented 19 innovative models as part of its "Road to the Future" agenda - a unique and varied range of new, particularly economical and clean models with intelligent drive technologies. In this long-term development strategy for the future, Mercedes-Benz has the declared aim of offering economical and environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising on safety, comfort or driving enjoyment. The focus of this development process is primarily on optimised internal combustion engines.

Just a few weeks after this announcement, Mercedes-Benz is now offering the first new E-Class models to make this ambitious goal a practical reality, while providing an impressive day-to-day experience for all.

E 300 BLUETEC - the cleanest and most economical executive-class diesel

Pole position on the Mercedes-Benz Roadto the Future is taken by the new E 300 BLUETEC. Following the successful launch of the world’s first BLUETEC passenger car in the USA - the E 320 BLUETEC, which is selling very briskly and has been voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007" - Mercedes-Benz is now also offering BLUETEC technology for the world’s cleanest diesel in Europe as well. With immediate effect, the new E 300 BLUETEC is available here as the cleanest and most economical diesel in the executive class.

BLUETEC is a concept based on a number of coordinated technical measures. First of all, in-engine measures minimise the untreated emissions. An oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter then ensure effective exhaust gas aftertreatment. The nitrogen oxides are subsequently reduced by BLUETEC technology using a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The package as a whole results in exemplary levels for all exhaust gas constituents. BLUETEC technology significantly undercuts the Nox limits of the EU5 standard, and even has the potential to meet the future EU6 standard.

In Europe Mercedes-Benz is offering the new E 300 BLUETEC in parallel with the E 320 CDI, which continues in the range. The slightly lower peak output of the new BLUETEC model - 155 kW/211 hp rather than 165 kW/ 224 hp - results from the measures taken to lower emissions and improve fuel consumption. These improvements include the use of special piezo-electric injectors, a lower compression ratio and specific fine-tuning of the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. The powerful torque of 540 Nm at 1600 - 2400 rpm remains unchanged, and guarantees superior performance with a low fuel consumption and low emissions. The combined consumption of the E 300 BLUETEC according to the NEDC is 7.2 to 7.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres.

E 350 CGI with second-generation direct petrol injection

In parallel with the E 300 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its model range with the E 350 CGI, which features an ultra-modern direct-injection petrol engine with a spray-guided combustion process. This unit, the world’s first V6 petrol engine with this innovative combustion system and piezo-electric injection, was introduced in the CLS 350 CGI in spring 2006 and is now also available for the Saloon and Estate in the high-volume E-Class.

Compared to the E 350, which remains in the range, the 215 kW/292 hp V-engine develops 20 hp more output and 15 newton metres more torque (365 Nm) while consuming ten percent less fuel. On an NEDC average the E 350 CGI Saloon, which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, consumes just 8.7 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. In both model variants the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The E-Class as a technological trendsetter

The E-Class sets new technical standards, and also features a comprehensive range of safety equipment which includes PRE-SAFE®, the Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. This makes the E-Class the safest car in its class. Agility and driving enjoyment is assured by the DIRECT CONTROL package with a direct steering ratio and a new suspension setup.

Audi Q7 Hybrid delayed for late 2008

The seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV benefits from a ‘win-win’ upgrade this week courtesy of a new version of its 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine which brings lower emissions, higher power and torque and improved performance and fuel economy.


The even more efficient 2008 Model Year Q7 3.0 TDI quattro, which is also now equipped with an exhaust-cleansing Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), is available for order in standard, SE and S line trim priced from £38,075 OTR. It forms part of a Q7 development programme which also includes petrol/electric hybrid versions that slash fuel consumption and emissions by over 20 per cent.

Featuring an advanced common rail direct fuel injection system using sophisticated piezoelectric quartz crystal technology, the upgraded V6 TDI engine benefits from enhancements that boost combined cycle fuel economy in the Q7 3.0 TDI quattro from 33.6mpg to 34.9mpg, reduce CO2 output from 279g/km to 260g/km and bring down the 0-62mph time by 0.6 seconds to 8.5 seconds. Power rises from 233PS to 240PS, delivered at 4,000rpm, and torque increases from 500Nm to an even healthier 550Nm, available from just 1,750rpm.

Diesel is of course far from the only source of responsibly delivered power to be championed by the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. As well as exploring the possibilities opened up by second generation ‘future fuels’ such as the biomass-to-liquid (BTL) SunFuel, Audi is also testing fully operational prototypes running on bioethanol (E85), CNG (compressed natural gas) and petrol/electric hybrid power.

Q7 hybrid reduces consumption and emissions by over 20 per cent

The Q7 hybrid is expected to go on sale in its first markets towards the end of 2008, combining its familiar 280PS 3.6-litre FSI petrol engine with an electric motor situated in the drivetrain powered by a 288-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, which adds a further 51PS. The Q7 hybrid reduces fuel consumption, and therefore C02 output, by approximately 23 per cent compared with the Q7 3.6 FSI as we know it today.

Designed in a parallel configuration in which all major assemblies are arranged in line, helping to reduce weight and energy loss, the 3.6-litre FSI V6 with its 375 Nm torque peak is boosted by up to 285Nm by the electric motor. Channelled via a six-speed tiptronic gearbox and through the quattro four-wheel-drive system with asymmetric 40% front / 60% rear torque split, this joint output enables a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 7.6 seconds (standard Q7 3.6 FSI 8.5 seconds) and combined fuel consumption of 28.8mpg (standard Q7 3.6 FSI 22.2mpg). The Q7 3.6 FSI’s 309g/km output is reduced to 237g/km thanks to the electric motor and a number of revisions to ancillaries such as the power steering pump.

Fundamentally, three driving modes are possible. The FSI engine and the electric motor can each work on their own as the drive unit, or the vehicle can combine the power of the two for acceleration. In this mode, the petrol engine is responsible for basic operation, whereby it also needs to supply energy to the battery.

Recuperation conserves energy

The electric motor on the other hand can operate independently and almost inaudibly at speeds of up to 30mph, considerably reducing exhaust and noise emissions in built up areas. It is also able to feed kinetic energy back into the system and so recharge the battery when the vehicle is braked or coasting. During this operation, known as recuperation, the motor reverses its function to become an alternator.

The capacity of the NiMH battery allows the vehicle to be driven up to 1.2 miles on purely electrical power – coasting and braking feed additional energy into the system. When the capacity limit of the battery has been reached, the combustion engine is activated to recharge the battery. Through regeneration measures such as these, the Audi Q7 hybrid recuperates about 720 kWh of energy a year – approximately a sixth of what a four-person household uses – based on an average of 12,000 miles per annum.

If the Audi Q7 hybrid is coasting without the accelerator pedal being depressed, the combustion engine is switched off – this is possible at speeds up to 74mph. It is also switched off if the vehicle remains stationary for more than three seconds. To continue the journey, all the driver has to do is to remove his foot from the brake and to depress the accelerator pedal again.

Like the standard Q7, the hybrid also has space for three rows of seats and a large luggage compartment. The battery system that supplies energy to the electric motor is located in the spare wheel recess at the rear of the vehicle. Compared to earlier generations of hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and the battery are extremely lightweight. The battery weighs 69 kg and the hybrid module with the electric motor 40 kg.

Tough new rules for solar car race

The World Solar Challenge for cars powered only by sunshine is on this weekend in Darwin, and for the first time in its 20-year history, organisers are making it tougher, demanding that today's sun-fuelled contraptions conform to the designs of more conventional cars.

They have been years in the making. Now these solar prototypes are going through final adjustments before Sunday's race.

Cars of every weird and wonderful shape will showcase the latest in solar technology as they travel from Darwin to Adelaide.

But with solar power almost verging on mainstream, race director Chris Selwood says organisers have set a new challenge by redefining the car.

"We've taken 25 per cent of their solar cells away from them so their power generation capacity is cut by a quarter," he said.

"We've given them an aerodynamic disadvantage by telling them that the driver should sit in a normal, upright seating position and not laying down in the car as they have in the older cars, and certain practical things, like the driver has to get in and out of the car unaided."

The tougher rules make it unlikely this year's race will set any speed records, which is just as well because for the first time, drivers have to contend with the Northern Territory's new 130-kilometres-per-hour road limit.

And in keeping with the green theme, organisers have included a Greenfleet category for cars powered on alternative fuels like canola oil, hydrogen and ethanol derived from sugar cane.

One team is confident it won't have to refuel at all during the 3,000-kilometre trip. New Zealander Cam Feast says his team, Bios Fuel, has developed a revolutionary car that runs on waste oil and water

"If you just took waste oil and water and you poured it into an engine, it will blow up, basically. It will blow the injectors off," he said.

"What Steve has worked out is a way of bonding the structures of the waste oil and the water so that they actually bond together, and then can be used to burn and create energy in an engine."

He says he is literally burning up waste.

"What we're doing is taking this waste stream, taking the energy from that and converting it to fuel," he said.